Thirsty Thursdays 'Ruin Our Community,' Draw 'Some Bad Apples': Reports

TOWSON, MD — Multiple reports said rowdy crowds are lingering along Towson's York Road for Thirsty Thursday bar deals, drawing complaints from residents and business owners.

"They ruin our community, they trash the streets," Towson resident Lara Bachman told WBAL-TV. "They smoke blunts. They drink in line. They trash the cars of these local businesses. It's a terrible thing for our community."

Bill Packo, owner of Barley's Backyard Restaurant, told WBFF the crowd control issues have been ongoing for about a year.

"Around 11, there were probably about 2,000 people," Packo told WBFF, adding that "I was out there around midnight last week and I would say there were approximately four to six cars dispensing alcohol drinks out of the back of their car."

WMAR reported that there were "hundreds spilling out onto York Road" on Aug. 28, when a popular DJ drew a packed house.

"There were some bad apples that perpetrated some criminal-type activity," Baltimore County Council Chair Mike Ertel (D-Towson) told WMAR. "Nothing severe but enough to warrant concern."

The TV stations said the worries sparked a Wednesday meeting with Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier (D), public safety officials and community leaders.

"We will continue to work with our partners to ensure Towson remains a safe place for everyone to shop, eat, learn and have fun — respectfully and responsibly," Erica Palmisano, a spokesperson for the county executive, told WBAL.

WBAL reported that residents want stronger liquor law enforcement and licenses revoked from violators.